An afternoon as a potential juror
by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
(Reflections on Matthew 5:27–28 and 5:21–22)
Yesterday, I was rejected as a juror for a murder trial. The young man on trial had eight counts of murder against him. As I sat there, I thought about the gravity of it all. I thought to myself: “I have never knowingly met a murderer.” Just as I thought it, the Holy Spirit alerted me to pay attention to this question:
Have I ever knowingly been a murderer?
As I pondered, the Holy Spirit referenced Matthew 5:21–22, where Jesus says:
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
Every day, in the mirror, I look at a different kind of murderer — one who has let anger take root in her heart. Though I have not been the accused of crime in man’s court, under God’s court, I am guilty.
In that very moment of mental judgment against this man, I became very aware that I am indeed ” poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3) — desperate for the sanctification of God through the salvation given freely by Jesus. I am redeemed because I am saved by Jesus while being renewed, and regenerated through the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
This is how I reconcile my grieving spirit — when compared to what I owe, I owe everything to Jesus! Only the blood of Jesus could cancel my sin-stained debt. I am a debtor to Jesus for His forgiveness, a debtor of His salvation, and a debtor to His redemption.
Today, I give my concerns for the man on trial and for my thoughts about it to Jesus. I commit myself to intercede on this man’s behalf. May the man on trial turn to the only One who can cancel out the debt he owes.
To the young man on trial (and to every person facing charges in God’s courtroom):
When you realize that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), just as the cost of murder is more than life in prison—it is an eternal death sentence. Please know there is hope. Turn to the One who paid it ALL. He will wash you white as snow (Isaiah 1:18) and restore your righteousness through the garment of salvation (Isaiah 61:10).
Turn to Jesus today. Your debt has already been paid—if you merely accept that it has been satisfied by the blood of Jesus.
Challenge
Key Verse of the Week:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
— Romans 6:23 (ESV)
Take time this week to examine your heart for hidden anger, judgment, or bitterness. These unseen sins can weigh as heavily on the soul as the ones that bring people to earthly judgment. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where your thoughts or emotions have caused harm—to yourself or to others—and invite Him to purify your heart.
When you feel wronged, instead of letting anger take root, pause and remember the One who carried your sins to the cross. Forgive as you have been forgiven. Walk in grace as one whose debt has already been paid.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the mercy that flows through the blood of Jesus. I come before You acknowledging that without Him I am guilty and unworthy of forgiveness. Yet, because of His sacrifice, I am washed clean and made new.
Search my heart, Lord. Remove any trace of anger, pride, or judgment within me. Fill me instead with compassion, humility, and peace. Help me to see others through Your eyes and to offer the same grace that You have freely given to me.
Thank You for canceling my debt and for clothing me in the righteousness of Christ. May I live each day as a reflection of Your mercy and love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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